The University of Ghana (UG) has strongly refuted claims of GH¢59.2 million in employee overpayments, as alleged in a recent Auditor-General’s report. The **UG overpayment claim** has sparked considerable debate, raising questions about financial management and accountability within the institution. News of the alleged overpayments has triggered concerns among university staff, students, and the general public, highlighting the importance of addressing such issues promptly and transparently.

In response to the allegations, the university, led by Acting Deputy Internal Auditor Prof. Samuel Simpson, has stepped forward to clarify its position and address the reported irregularities. This article delves into the University of Ghana’s official response, providing an analysis of their arguments and offering context to better understand the situation.

Understanding the Auditor-General’s Report

The Auditor-General’s report alleges that the University of Ghana made inflated salary payments totaling GH¢59.2 million. The report covers the period between 2022 and 2024, suggesting a pattern of overspending. While the full details of the report are still emerging, the initial statement points to a potential overstatement of employee compensation. The report is also part of a larger audit flagging GH¢38.9 billion for recovery, with approximately 32.6% of that amount already retrieved.

UG’s Rebuttal: Setting the Record Straight

Prof. Simpson has argued that the Auditor-General’s report lacks crucial context and fails to fully account for the processes involved in employee compensation. He contends that the figures presented do not paint an accurate picture of the university’s financial practices. According to Prof. Simpson, the **UG overpayment claim** is simply incorrect.

“There are processes and engagements behind these figures that the Auditor-General’s report fails to capture. To suggest the university overstated employee compensation is simply incorrect,” Prof. Simpson stated.

A key component of UG’s defense revolves around the legitimate use of Internally Generated Funds (IGF). The university claims that the flagged amounts represent instances where IGF was used to supplement government payroll allocations, particularly in situations where there was a shortage of staff. This supplemental use of funds allowed the university to maintain adequate staffing levels and provide quality education.

Prof. Simpson provided an example to illustrate this point, explaining that if the government provides funding for only two staff members but the university requires five, the IGF is used to cover the remaining three. This, he argues, should not be considered savings but rather a necessary expenditure to meet the university’s operational needs.

“Let’s say, if government of Ghana decides to say that, look, I can pay for two staff of the University of Ghana, but the University of Ghana needs, let’s say, five staff to teach so they can give quality to our clients, that is, students…And the University of Ghana decides to use its own IGF to take care of the extra three, do you call that savings? It is not savings,” he explained.

Furthermore, UG maintains that all expenditures were properly documented and transparently reported, emphasizing that there was no attempt to conceal any financial activities. The university insists that its financial practices adhere to established procedures and regulations.

“There are a lot of things that the auditor’s report doesn’t capture. The processes, the engagement that goes through, where it starts from and where it gets through, there is no way that the university engaged in any payroll fraud…”

The Impending Official Statement

The University of Ghana management is preparing to release an official statement that will provide further details and address specific concerns raised in the Auditor-General’s report. This statement is expected to offer a more comprehensive explanation of the university’s financial practices and clarify the discrepancies highlighted in the report. Stakeholders are encouraged to look for this official statement.

What Does This Mean for the University of Ghana?

The **UG overpayment claim** has the potential to impact the university’s reputation and public trust. Transparency and open communication are essential to maintaining confidence in the institution’s financial management. The controversy may also affect future funding allocations and the university’s autonomy in managing its finances.

Conclusion

In summary, the University of Ghana has responded to the GH¢59m **UG overpayment claim** by asserting that the flagged amounts represent the legitimate use of IGF to supplement government payroll allocations. The university maintains that all expenditures were properly documented and transparently reported. As the situation unfolds, it is important to await the official statement from UG management for further clarification.

Transparency and accountability are crucial for public institutions like the University of Ghana. Open communication and addressing concerns are vital for maintaining public support and trust.